NEW DELHI, September 7: The death toll in the Satya Niketan building collapse has risen to seven, while rescue teams continued clearing debris on Monday amid concerns that more people could still be trapped beneath the wreckage.
Delhi Police have also apprehended the owner of the five-storey building from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, a day after the structure housing a boys’ PG accommodation collapsed near Delhi University’s South Campus. Twelve people have been rescued so far, according to officials.
Building Owner Apprehended From Bhiwadi
Delhi Police apprehended building owner Hariram in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi after launching an extensive search operation.
Police had constituted 10 teams and issued a Look Out Circular after the owner went untraceable following Sunday’s collapse. Further questioning is underway as investigators examine responsibility for the disaster.
Police have registered a case involving allegations including:
- Culpable homicide
- Negligence in maintaining the building
- Endangering the safety of occupants
- Possible violations linked to repair and construction activity
Investigators are also examining whether structural alterations or renovation work contributed to the collapse.
Seven Dead, 12 Rescued From Debris
The five-storey structure collapsed on Sunday, September 6, in Satya Niketan, a densely populated student accommodation hub close to Delhi University’s South Campus.
By Monday, authorities confirmed that the death toll had reached seven, while 12 people had been rescued. Rescue personnel continued searching the remaining debris to ensure no one was still trapped.
Teams involved in the operation include personnel from:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Delhi Fire Services
- Delhi Police
- Delhi Disaster Management Authority
- Municipal and other emergency agencies
Rescuers have been removing debris cautiously because of concerns over the stability of nearby structures.
Basement Repair Work Under Investigation
The building was reportedly undergoing repair and renovation work in its basement and ground-floor areas when it collapsed.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said water had accumulated in the basement and that the combination of waterlogging, ongoing repair work and the condition of the ageing building was being examined as a possible factor behind the collapse.
However, the precise cause will be determined through the official investigation.
A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered into the incident.
MCD Suspends Five Officials
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has suspended five South Zone officials pending disciplinary proceedings following the tragedy.
Those suspended include senior civic and engineering officials responsible for the area. The action came as questions intensified over unauthorised construction, structural safety checks and enforcement of building regulations in Satya Niketan.
The MCD has also announced action against illegal structures exceeding permitted floors and has stepped up scrutiny of buildings in the area.
Nearby Unsafe Building to Be Demolished
Authorities have identified an adjoining structure as being in a dangerous condition.
The neighbouring building has been evacuated, and officials said its demolition would be carried out carefully after the ongoing rescue and debris-clearing operation allows authorities to proceed safely.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also ordered inspections of PG accommodations and other buildings in the surrounding locality.
Structural Audits of PGs Under Focus
The Satya Niketan tragedy has put the safety of private hostels and paying guest accommodations across Delhi under renewed scrutiny.
The Delhi government is working on measures that could require buildings being used as PGs, schools, nursing homes and other public-use establishments to undergo periodic structural safety audits and obtain relevant certification.
Satya Niketan has over the years developed into a major student housing hub because of its proximity to Delhi University’s South Campus, with several residential properties converted into PGs and hostels.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and said authorities were working at the site to assist people affected by the collapse.
Rescue and Investigation Continue
Emergency personnel continued working at the site on Monday as debris was removed and unstable surrounding structures were assessed.
The tragedy has triggered wider questions over building safety, unauthorised alterations and regulatory enforcement in Delhi’s densely populated student accommodation areas, while the police investigation and administrative inquiry continue.
source – The Indian Express / PTI
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